Humor Flashcards
(42 cards)
Who were Abbot and Costello
Vaudeville performers until they moved to radio and film
What was Vaudeville
The most popular form of entertainment in North America between 1875-1932
Where did Vaudeville take place
It started in France, but moved to the US
What were Vaudeville performers (7)
skilled comedians, jugglers, magicians, clowns, mimes, dancers, musicians
Where was Houdini born
Hungary 1874
When did Houdini die
Detroit 1926, but widely accepted that the killing blow came in Montreal, where he was giving a lecture
How did Houdini die
A Mcgill student named J. Gordon Whitehead asked Houdini if the rumours were true that he could endure intense punches to the abdomen.
Houdini verified these rumors, but his spleen then exploded.
What would Houdini’s wife do
Organize seances for people to communicate with her dead husband
Where did the word Vaudeville originate from
French phrases “Val de Vire” (Valley of the river Vire) and “Voix de Ville” (Voices of the town)
Where and how did Vaudeville start in the US
-Wild West
-Saloon Owners would hire entertainers to perform, hoping their acts would attract customers.
When/where did Vaudeville move out of the saloons and why
1800s, theatre, in an attempt to move away from licentious acts
Why was Vaudeville accessible in terms of wealth
you didn’t have to be rich to buy a ticket, unlike with the symphony
Why was Vaudeville accessible in terms of language
you didn’t need to speak french, german or italian, as were the most populars operas performed at the time
Why was Vaudeville accessible as a family show
Because the entertainment was cleaned up, it was appropriate for all ages.
What was the sign backstage at the New York City Palace
This theater caters to Ladies and Gentlemen and Children
What is the New York City Palace now
A Broadway theatre
Why was Vaudeville accessible in terms of gender barriers
Women were allowed to perform, making often times 100 times more than what they would make in sweatshops
Why was Vaudeville accessible in terms of nationalities
The stage opened its doors to numerous immigrant nationalities
Was preceded Vaudeville shows
minstrel shows
When did minstrel shows start
1828, most popular from 1841-1871
What did minstrel shows involve
Black-Face performers, depicting the lifestyle of slaves on the southern plantation, usually in a racially degrading fashion
When did minstrel shows lose their popularity
After slavery was abolished (1863-1865)
What remained after minstrel shows
Blackface performers (until the late 1950s) - long after Vaudeville
What were minstrel shows the root of
Stand-up comdey
